An inception visit to Switzerland was conducted on 3 - 8 July 2011 for the representatives of regional and district (rayon) authorities, heads of service cooperatives, and water supply operators.

The study tour participants learned about the political and administrative system of Switzerland, as well as about the organizational, financial and legal aspects of decentralized models of rural water supply.

During the study tour, the Ukrainian delegates visited pumping stations and other water supply facilities. Using the Canton of St. Gallen as an example, they got familiar with the history, organization and technical problems of water supply in Switzerland.

Particular attention was paid to quality control in the provision of water supply services, as well as to the aspects of financing and allocation of responsibilities between regional, district (rayon) and local authorities.

The participants are planning to incorporate the knowledge and experience gained during the study tour into their daily work in Ukraine.

The study tour participants included the representatives of regional and rayon authorities, heads of service cooperatives, and water supply operators.
Such cities as Zurich, Rapperswil, St. Gallen, Frachnacht, Wittenbach, Berg, Weinfelden, Appenberg, Appenzell, Konolfingen, Alpnachstadt, and Lucerne were visited as part of the study tour.